EFFECTS OF SEX, SIZE AND SUBSTRATE ON GROWTH AND MORTALITY OF TREES IN TROPICAL WET FOREST

Females and males of three tree species did not differ in growth or mortality over an interval of 9.5 years. Comparing between sexes and across species, there was no consistent pattern of effects of short-term (1 year) growth and fecundity on longer-term growth or mortality. Effects of size were significant (but minor) for growth in one species, and were significant for mortality in two species. Soil type affected mortality in one species, but affected growth in all three species. Sex and size are not consistently strong bases for predicting the performance of adult trees.